weapons – Page 8 – The Defense Post

Feb- 2026 -

6 February

A modern U.S. Navy destroyer moored at port, showing its superstructure, sensors, and deck-mounted Mk 38 weapon system used for close-in surface defense.

US Navy’s MK 38 Close-In Weapon System Gets First Caliber Upgrade in 30 Years

The US Navy’s MK 38 close-in weapon system is being reborn for a fourth time, receiving its first-ever caliber increase in over three decades.

5 February

Arms

Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák presenting new military gears for Slovak troops. Photo: Slovak Ministry of Defence

Rojoef Manuel

Slovakia Unveils New Combat Uniform, Small Arms for Troops

Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence has showcased a new combat uniform and a suite of small arms for its armed forces.

4 February

Europe

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Leonardo Rolls Out Remote Drone-Killer to Cover Michelangelo’s ‘Dead Zones’

A new remotely operated drone-defense capability will be integrated into Italy’s Michelangelo Dome, adding a close-in layer to defend potential “dead zones” in the emerging missile shield.

Jan- 2026 -

16 January

Air

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Hypersonic Missiles Could Fly Faster, Farther With GE-Lockheed Ramjet Engine

Hypersonic missiles could soon fly faster, farther, and cheaper thanks to a new ramjet engine developed by GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin.

13 January

Arms

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 3, 2020) A Marine with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires his M4A1 service rifle during a combat marksmanship range aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Deck shoots allow Marines to get hands on training with their rifles to ensure that they stay proficient and lethal with their weapon systems. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger)

Rojoef Manuel

Taiwan Marines Unit Upgrades to US-Made M4A1 Rifles for Base Security

A new Republic of China Marine Corps unit assigned to land-based security has replaced its aging assault rifles with US-made M4A1 systems, according to state media.

13 January

Arms

Rojoef Manuel

Israel Distributes Arad Rifles to Local Defense Units

Israel has completed the nationwide rollout of thousands of Arad assault rifles to rapid response teams.

12 January

Africa

Sudanese security forces stand guard outside the foreign ministry in Khartoum on 28 January 2020

Rojoef Manuel

Pakistan to Sign $1.5B Arms Sale With Sudan

Pakistan is set to finalize a $1.5-billion deal to supply weapons, aircraft, and drones to Sudan, a move that could bolster the African country in its war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

8 January

Air

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

EDGE Builds Digital Safety Layer for Modern Munitions

ESAD-50 is an electronic safety arming device, featuring a compact form factor, four dedicated boards managing safety, arming, and firing, and an onboard IMU to monitor motion.

7 January

Asia Pacific

Joe Saballa

New Details Surface on China’s Truck-Mounted Hurricane 3000 Microwave Weapon

China is slowly lifting the curtain on the Hurricane 3000, a truck-mounted high-power microwave weapon designed to counter drones at ranges that allegedly exceed comparable US systems.

6 January

Arms